Melbourne under the microscope at City DNA

This pilot data centre, located at the Meat Market in North Melbourne, combines virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D visualisations and interactive exhibits during a week-long event.

From donning a pair of virtual reality goggles to explore Melbourne's streets, to being immersed in a simulation of our city from decades past, Melbourne City DNA will offer the opportunity to experience a different side of Melbourne.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said Melbourne City DNA draws on the City of Melbourne's extensive data resources to present Melbourne in the most innovative and exciting way possible.

"We have worked tirelessly to present the most in-depth, immersive and innovative look at our city ever created," the Acting Lord Mayor said.

"Melbourne City DNA will give people the chance to walk along green laneways through immersive virtual reality, explore Melbourne's changing landscape from pre-European settlement into the future through augmented reality and to discover every nook and cranny of the Swanston Street corridor via a large 3D-printed model and projections.

"This pilot program, part of Melbourne Knowledge Week, shows how our data can be used creatively to tell the story of what Melbourne is, has been and will be."

The Melbourne City DNA event will host 13 separate exhibits, exploring everything from Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage, to historic maps and sustainable futures using the most ground-breaking technology on offer.

Melbourne City DNA highlights include:

Melbourne @ 1:1000 – Using the latest 3D printing technology, explore Melbourne through a large 3D model complete with aerial imagery projected onto the city's buildings and terrain.  The 3D printed model sitting on an accurate representation of the city terrain was developed with RMIT University. Green Your Laneways VR – Explore the greening potential of our urban spaces through a virtual tour of Meyers Place in the CBD, transformed before your eyes into an oasis of trees and vertical gardens. Developed by the Deakin Motion Lab.Augmented Melbourne – Get a first-hand view of how Melbourne has grown from pre-European settlement to today. Using iPads and augmented reality, explore Melbourne's history from 1888 until 2018 and beyond.Growing Melbourne – Explore the future of Melbourne's skyline in 3D. Visualise the buildings currently under construction, planned for construction and waiting for approval.Aboriginal Melbourne - Learn about Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage through an immersive experience exploring the story of creation, well-known Aboriginal Melburnians and events, and the ongoing connection to country.

For more information on the Melbourne City DNA exhibition, or to view the entire Melbourne Knowledge Week 2018 program, visit the MKW18 website.